Disclaimer: Priest and its characters belong to Scott Stewart.

Claimer: I own Tessa.

Chapter#2: Solace

Consciousness found him slowly, as his barely functioning brain managed to process the sensation of a hand moving slowly over his skin. As he became more aware, he realized Tessa had slipped her hand under his shirt, and she was rubbing slow circles over his back to coax him awake. A low moan of protest emitted from deep within his throat, and there was a shift in the bed before a pair of soft lips pressed into his hair. The hand moving against his back migrated to the more sensitive skin on his side, and he released a quiet sigh, less than unwilling to move. He was so comfortable. Slowly, he found the strength to force his eyes open.

"Good morning, gorgeous," greeted Tessa softly.

He looked up at her sleepily, and she smiled as she saw the haze of slumber in his eyes.

"I don't know…. You certainly look human."

He managed a miniscule smile, and after a moment she gently rolled him onto his back before leaning down to place a doting kiss on his forehead.

"You're still here," he whispered.

"Yep." She smiled gently.

He smiled back; although, it was vaguely hesitant in nature. After another couple minutes, she got up and began to strip off, and he turned his eyes away out of respect. When she noticed this, she almost chuckled.

"Julian, we made love, remember? You can look at me."

And so he did. Her beauty seemed to grow every time he laid eyes on her, curvy hips begging to be held, and raven locks falling down her back in lush waves. Finally, he sat up and stood to approach her, surprising her when he took hold of her before pulling her into a gentle embrace.

Tessa blinked, her hands coming up to hold him back lightly. "You okay…?"

"Now I am."

Smiling, she pulled away and kissed his cheek. "I need to go tend to the animals. You're more than welcome to join me."

He nodded. After she'd made a quick breakfast, he followed her to the barn. While she watered and fed the horses, he'd offered to help muck out the stalls, which had earned him another fond smile and kiss on the cheek. He was lost in thought as he heaved another bale of hay into the cow pen, the feeling of her lips still lingering on his cheek. How he wished it was their mouths that had met. Words alone could never describe how badly he thirsted for her, to feel her soft, warm skin against his once again. Before he had realized it, a depression had settled within him, as he came to the conclusion she was probably reluctant to reawaken an intimate relationship with him because of what he had become. He knew she cared for him, but would she ever want him the same way he wanted her? It was unlikely. If she had wanted to kiss him, she would have by now.

"Julian?"

Blinking from his thoughts, he looked over to where Tessa was standing beside a striking black Friesian, having just finished brushing him down. She was staring at him, vague concern visible in her eyes.

"Are you okay? You look distant."

He nodded. "Just thinking."

It could be seen in her eyes that she wasn't completely convinced, but she let it go for the moment. "Would you mind helping me lead the horses to the paddock?"

Once all the animals had been tended to and released into their enclosures, Tessa had sat with Julian on the fence overlooking the horse paddock. Julian, who had never seen a horse before, couldn't help but watch the animals in blatant curiosity. The black one—the Friesian—had a coat of shimmering charcoal with a wavy mane that drifted with the gentle breeze, and the other was a striking blue roan tobiano stallion. Where she had gotten the animals, he wasn't sure, but he found them magnificent. At one point, she had clicked her tongue, and the two horses had approached them obediently. Holding her hand out, she motioned for him to do the same, and the tobiano stallion dipped its muzzle into his hand, the velvety lips moving gently against his palm.

Later that evening, Tessa was alone in the barn as she made quick rounds to ensure all the troughs were filled. Despite her sore muscles and still raging mind, she felt at peace. Now that Julian was there, it was as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Regardless of his condition, she felt over the moon with the simple fact he was alive. All this time she had thought him dead, but no. No, he was alive, and he was with her. Vampire or not, he was still the same man she had fallen in love with. She felt whole again.

When she heard the sound of footsteps approaching behind her, she had assumed it was Julian coming to check on her. However, she was taken abruptly off guard when a hand roughly smothered her from behind, as an arm hooked around her waist to yank her backwards. Survival instincts instantly kicked in, her foot flew up at lightning speed, and she managed to nail her assailant between the legs. A prominent shout of pain was her reward, and she was able to shove free from his hold.

"ROYCE, GET HER!"

Tessa whirled around, having been unaware he had backup, but she was too late and was greeted with a blow to the face that sent her crashing to the ground in a clumsy heap. She pushed herself up with her arms, fingertips coming up to touch her split lip as she looked up at her attackers. There were three of them, and after a single look at their eyes it became chillingly clear to her that they were not only there to steal supplies. She instantly bristled when one of them stepped towards her, but before she was able to so much as lift a finger to defend herself the man descending upon her was abruptly tackled by a dark blur.

Julian had come barreling into the barn at a blinding speed, and the man he had tackled was sent flying before crashing to the ground on his back. In reaction, one of the others whipped out a gun, but he was no match for Julian's enhanced speed. His wrist was grabbed before he could even aim, his finger having pressed down on the trigger right as Julian redirected his arm upwards. The two horses reared in their stalls, legs flailing as they whinnied shrilly in fright. The next second, the man's screams were ringing through the barn, followed a sickening crack as Julian broke his wrist with ease. Using his grip on his arm, he twisted him around and grabbed his head. With a sharp twist, he was falling limply to the ground in a heap. Julian's head snapped up when he caught ear of booted footsteps coming up behind him, and in one swift motion he spun around, his arm shooting forwards. The man charging at him stopped short at the abrupt, sharp contact to his chest, and for a moment everything was very still. All eyes were on him as he stumbled back a couple steps, mouth agape in apparent shock, and it wasn't until he lifted a shaking hand towards his chest that Tessa realized, with horror, that there was a gaping hole where his heart used to be. Julian's cold eyes had never left his face, arm still held up to present the bloodied organ to its owner in sadistic triumph. With one final gag, the man's eyes rolled back as he fell back to the ground.

"BASTARD!"

Julian turned, only to be greeted with a deafening bang before a burning pain erupted in his stomach.

"JULIAN!" Tessa shrieked with horror.

Although he felt as if his innards were on fire, he forced himself up and lunged at his attacker with an animalistic snarl, fangs flashing. All his assailant had time to do was widen his eyes at the sight of the sharpened incisors before he was being slammed up against a post by the scruff of his shirt. Golden eyes flashing, it was as if the Devil had possessed him, and for the briefest of seconds those fangs were glinting menacingly before disappearing into the succulent jugular of his captive. A strangled cry echoed throughout the barn, but it was cut short, and all the man in his grasp could do was stare up at the ceiling with wide eyes, mouth agape with silent screams. Less than a minute later, he was falling to the ground lifelessly, eyes still open, mouth agape, and flesh grayed from being drained of his blood.

Silence.

It was as if time had stilled, as a deathly silence fell over the barn. Even the animals had fallen quiet, the only sounds they emitted being restless snorts from the horses as they stepped about in their stalls. Julian stood over the body of the man he'd just drank, staring down at him blankly. Not until he had pulled his fangs out of the man's jugular—until he had finished the last drop of blood—did he realize what he had done. It was as if he had been under a spell. His rage and bloodlust had blinded his vision, painting everything around him a dark crimson. His body felt numb, almost to the point where he no longer felt the still aching pain in his stomach from the bullet. It was at that moment that he remembered something else—something even more important.

Tessa.

Words couldn't describe the fear he felt at the thought of facing her, but he found himself slowly turning, nevertheless. She was now standing, and her eyes were wide. Visible shock and horror painted her features. He'd never felt such terror, his own eyes having widened as it all slowly sank in. He had fed in front of her, and he hadn't even realized it until it was too late. Looking down at his hands, he looked back up at her with the same blank horror. Once more, her eyes were filled with fear as she stared at him. Over the months, he had gained control over his cravings. He had grown capable of being close to people without feeling an insatiable urge to lunge at them. Not a single incident since the night he killed those two men, and now…. He hadn't even realized…. Turning his head back towards his victim, he stared down at his lifeless, grayish face in horror. It could have been her. He could have been drinking her, and he wouldn't have even known until….

Without warning, he was bolting from the barn, not stopping even when he heard Tessa shout after him. He couldn't stop. He couldn't stay. It was too dangerous. He was too dangerous. As long as he was there, Tessa was in danger. It was nearing dawn by the time he finally stopped, taking refuge in a cluster of caves. At this point he was miles away from the farm. Once he was a good distance into the depths of the caverns, he collapsed against one of the rocky walls before sliding downwards to the sand. His hands came up to grip his hair, face tight, and then he was releasing a grief-stricken scream that held more sorrow than the mournful howl of a wolf, body lurching forward as the emotion poured from him. Day came and went, but he did not move. Any will he had to fight and push on had completely abandoned his body, leaving his soul barren. There was no point in carrying on. He had nothing left. Eventually, he allowed his body to drift back into a sleep, eyes stinging as images of Tessa's warm smile and kind eyes played before his vision, haunting him into a tortured slumber.

He was stirred from his sleep later that night, and his eyes snapped open in alert as he realized he was hearing footsteps. By impulse, his whole body tensed, winding up like a snake coiling to strike a possible threat as the footsteps drew nearer. Rather than an intruder, however, he was given the shock of his life when Tessa revealed herself from around the corner, a flashlight in hand. Eyes widening to the near point of dislocation, his heart stopped dead in his chest.

She was gazing down at him with softened, sad eyes. He stared back in disbelief, completely speechless. All he could do was watch as she stepped towards him, stunning him when she straddled his lap without the fainted hints of hesitation. His eyes shifted towards her hand as it lifted towards his face, making soft contact with his cheek as she cupped it in her palm. A breath left him, and he placed his hand over hers, pressing her hand closer as he closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of her thumb slowly moving over his skin.

"You didn't think you were getting away that easily, did you?" she said softly.

His face tensed, unable to suppress a pitiful sniff from making itself known. The next second, she was drawing him into her arms. He embraced her as if both their lives depended on it, nearly suffocating her with how tightly he was holding onto her. He just lost it after that. His body was out of his control, as he cried into her breasts none too quietly. She just held him, shushing him softly as she rubbed his back while cradling his head to her chest. Her body slowly rocked with his, her head dipping so her lips were pressed against his temple.

"Easy," she soothed, barely above a whisper. "It's okay, Julian. It's okay, baby. I got you."

His entire body shook from the force of holding back the ungodly sobs that forced their way free from his throat, eyes stinging with salty tears, and his stomach still sore from the healing bullet wound. Her arms remained snugly wrapped around him, holding him as she whispered soft comforts in his ear. He couldn't believe it. She had followed him. She had gone after him even after what he'd done—what she had seen him do.

"I'm not scared of you," she whispered. "You're not a monster, Julian. I love you. I'll always love you."

By the time he had finally calmed down, it was only because he had no tears left to cry. Once she was sure he was calm, she gently pulled away so she could see him. His eyes were bloodshot and glistening, but for now the tears had ceased. Smiling softly, she gently took his face in her hands and leaned forward, her lips proceeding to make feather-light contact with his forehead, temple, and cheek.

"Will you come home with me?" she asked quietly.

His eyes bore into hers, and then they closed as he leaned forward, his forehead pressing into hers.

When they finally reached the farm, Tessa took him by the hand and lead him into the cabin, where she made a direct beeline to the bedroom. He allowed her to lightly push him down onto the sheets, and she removed his boots for him before kicking off her own and mounting the bed. She came to straddle him, and he watched her curiously as she leaned down to nuzzle his cheek lovingly. It was a simple gesture that left him warmed. The agony he felt at the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her could have killed him; for he was sure she would resent the idea of kissing someone who had just fed on a human being. But, God, did he want to.

"What's on your mind?"

His eyes met her at her quiet voice, and he realized his despair must have shown on his face. "It's nothing," he lied.

"Be honest with me."

Once again his eyes met hers, before they fell to his chest. "It's just…" He sighed, not at all practiced with putting his emotions into words. "I've been craving the taste of your lips since the day I left for Sola Mira... and I've noticed you haven't appeared to want…" He cleared his throat, a mixture of ashamed and embarrassed.

Her eyes lit up with the realization of what he was trying to communicate to her. "Oh… Julian. Honey, I didn't realize you wanted to kiss me. I wasn't turning away from you purposely."

"But you clearly didn't want the same thing I did. I'm not trying to start an argument…" He met her eyes humbly. "It's just… I miss you. I've been thirsting for you constantly since I left your apartment that morning, and I guess…" He shook his head. "I understand. I do. I mean, I wouldn't want to kiss something like me either—"

He was cut off when her mouth suddenly covered his in a smoldering kiss, her hands having come up to hold his face. For the first few seconds he was taken completely off guard, but he soon regained himself, and he was returning her actions hungrily. She was kissing him slowly but deeply, her hands coming up to hold his face. His hands caressed her skin, his fingers tangling themselves in her silky waves. She was the first to pull away for oxygen, and the forceful stare she was setting him with could have set him aflame.

"You do not disgust me. Never allow yourself to think that again. I love you, Julian. Fangs and all."

His eyes were incredible, brimming with emotions so raw the most talented of scribes couldn't have put them into words. Leaning down, she kissed him passionately, but she only held it for a moment this time before breaking away, leaving him thirsting for more as she moved downwards towards his belt. He was staring up at her in disbelief, unable to bring himself to believe it. Before she could unsnap the buttons on his pants, however, he lifted his hands and gently stopped her, earning a confused frown in return.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to?"

"You have no idea how badly I want you, Tessa. I just don't know if we should…"

"Why?"

"I don't want to hurt you…"

Her eyes softened. "I trust you. Now it's time for you to trust yourself."

His eyes were filled with trepidation, but his desire for her remained alight in his golden orbs.

"We'll just go slow." Leaning forward, she placed a reassuring kiss on his lips before resuming unbuttoning his pants. Once his belt was undone, instead of pulling his pants down, she pushed his shirt up just enough to expose his lower belly, where she kissed the skin lovingly. Her hands made slow work of unbuttoning his shirt, and once she was done he sat up to shrug it off before pulling her closer to him.

She straddled his lap, and he gripped the bottom of her shirt before slowly pulling it up over her head. He laid back with her straddling his waist, as she kissed him lovingly. Gradually, she had made her way down to his neck, and he craned his head back to allow her better access as she nipped and licked at the sensitive skin, bringing forth a tsunami of memories from the city. Very slowly, her lips continued their journey down his body until she reached the waist of his pants. With an inhuman grace, she slunk off the end of the bed and gripped the waistband of his pants before slowly pulling them downwards. Once he was completely exposed to her, she began to strip before him, her own pants falling to the floor in a wrinkled heap as her hands reached up behind her back to unclasp her bra. His eyes followed her every move with barely detained desire as she climbed back over him, her creamy breasts brushing his chest as she bent down to press her lips to his neck.

He grew curious when she moved down to lay between his legs, shocking him to his core when she took him in her mouth. Jumping slightly, he released a throaty gasp at the sensations it brought. "Tessa!"

Her mouth moved over him slowly, hand wrapping around him and pumping with her mouth at a snail's pace. He had serviced himself in the past as thoughts of her plagued him at night, but it had never felt like this. Gripping the sheets between his fingers, it wasn't long before his breathing had begun its labored course. She was moving so slow. It was agonizing, but he prayed she didn't stop. A sharp gasp left his lips when she quickened her pace, having added suction, and the sheets gave an audible rip as his grip on them increased with the vicious heat building up within him. Her free hand had come to slowly run over his inner thigh, causing him to shiver involuntarily. Before long, his muscles had begun to tremble, and when he spoke his voice was rough and husky with flaming desire.

"Tessa, I'm going to cum."

He had meant it as a warning, expecting her to remove her mouth, but she just increased her efforts. He released a moan without his control, and within the next few seconds he was there, his body erupting into tremors. His head tossed back into the pillows, emitting a throaty moan with his release. As he was recovering, he felt her hand slowly rubbing his belly, her other hand still around him. She continued to stroke him even after he had stilled, and soon enough he was ready for her once again.

Tessa removed her hand, and she slowly climbed on top of him as he stared up at her through hazy, desiring eyes. Slowly, she lowered down onto him, watching as his eyes widened with a small gasp. Smiling, she lowered down to her forearms, and she began rocking slowly. Her hands come to caress his face, her lips connecting with his in a loving kiss.

"I love you, Julian," she whispered.

His golden orbs met hers, as she lowered her head to kiss his neck as she pressed her hips down against his, grinding firmly but gently. His eyes squeezed shut, arching his head back as he moved with her.

"Tessa," he breathed.

She increased her speed, moving against him with firm, hard thrusts, but at the same time it was so gentle. His hands had come to grip her hips, pulling her down harder, his grip on her tightening with each thrust. His facial features had tensed, head arched back against the pillows as a deep, throaty moan left him. She knew if she had stopped right at that moment, he may have killed her.

"Tessa, I don't know how much longer I can last…"

"I want you to cum. Cum, Julian," she breathed in his ear. "Cum now."

It was no less powerful than the last, as he forfeited control of his body and allowed himself to slip into another quivering release, hands groping her back as it came in powerful surges. It felt so fucking good! He never wanted it to end, and it seemed she sensed this, because still she did not stop. They continued deep into the night, bodies swaying with each other. No rapid carnal actions were performed after that. Merely a loving, gentle exploration. They had switched positions a few times, but it had ended with her on top, cradling his head as she rocked on top of him. Listening to his ragged breaths, she used her grip on his hair to tilt his head back and caress his lips with hers before moving down to his neck. He had fallen into complete lapse of ecstasy, having completely melted beneath her. His mind was in a haze, muddled by heavenly contentment. He had never felt this good in his life, entire body tingling with blissful pleasure. He never wanted her to stop.

Tessa was smiling softly as she gazed down at him. Words could never illustrate how much she loved watching him. Leaning down, she kissed just below his jaw before moving her lips to his ear to whisper to him softly. "My Julian. My love…"

He had begun to tremble.

"Let go, love. Let me see you cum one more time. Let me feel you tremble with pleasure one more time."

The trembling in his muscles increased, before his body gave beneath her. He moaned deeply as she kissed his neck. When he finally stilled, he was left utterly spent. Dismounting him, she lay down beside him and drew the covers over them. She rubbed his belly as he recovered, kissing his neck once more. His heart hammered in her ear, bringing a smile to her lips as she cuddled against him.

"I missed you," she breathed.

He held her close.

"My heart belongs to you," she whispered.